Fetterman Denounces Wall Street Journal Report as "Hit Piece"

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) denounced a Wall Street Journal article as a hit piece from disgruntled staffers in a statement to CNN on Sunday.

Fetterman called the WSJ article lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous. The Wall Street Journal piece detailed allegations of Fetterman routinely ducking constituents and skipping Senate business. Fetterman addressed specific allegations, including his reported grousing at the planned length of a funeral for three slain police officers. He stated he privately ordered flowers, expressed condolences publicly, and attended a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser in June for the families, meeting with their chief and family members.

Fetterman also addressed skipping a planned meeting with three paralyzed Pennsylvania veterans, stating he was at home throwing up prior to the meeting and asked his staff to continue, feeling well enough hours later to continue his day. The WSJ report cited more than a dozen former staffers and lawmakers, as well as internal messages and records.

Former staffers for Fetterman are planning to go public with more details in just over a week, calling the WSJ report the tip of the iceberg. Fetterman has drawn criticism for limited engagement with Senate duties, a light schedule, and skipping committee hearings. He has focused on conservative media appearances and advocacy for Israel, distancing him from progressive Democrats.

Fetterman suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2022. He denied in May that he was considering leaving the Democratic Party, but stated he would leave if it became the anti-Israel party.